SPORTS

Pirates lock up Griffin with nine-year, $140M deal

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Pittsburgh — The Pittsburgh Pirates signed 19-year-old shortstop Konnor Griffin to a nine-year, $140 million contract on Wednesday, less than a week after his major league debut. The agreement includes escalators that could increase the total to $150 million and is described as the largest in club history. The team said the deal reflects belief in Griffin and the organization; owner Bob Nutting and GM Ben Cherington issued statements this week. Griffin, the No. 9 pick in the 2024 draft, sprinted through the minors with a .333 average and will remain with the franchise through the 2034 season.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

2024: Pirates selected Konnor Griffin with the ninth overall pick in the amateur draft.
Spring training: Griffin was among final cuts before the regular season.
Early April (reported April 2–3): Griffin made his major league debut and started multiple games.
Within a week of debut: Pittsburgh promoted Griffin off a brief Triple-A stint.
Early Wednesday: The Pirates and Griffin agreed to a nine-year contract reported at $140M with escalators to $150M.

Why This Matters to You

This record-breaking deal shows the Pirates' faith in young talent. If you're a fan, it's a sign of potential future success. If you're a parent or coach, it's a reminder that hard work can pay off big time. Check out Griffin's stats and career trajectory for inspiration.

The Bottom Line

The Pirates are investing heavily in the future with Griffin's $140M deal. It's a bold move that could shape the team's performance for the next decade. Worth forwarding if you know someone who loves a good underdog story.